Chat with Scouts Inc.'s Keith Kidd

Welcome to The Show! On Thursday, Scouts Inc.'s Keith Kidd will stop by to take your NFL questions.

Kidd spent 14 years in NFL front offices before joining Scouts Inc., including eight years with the Arizona Cardinals, three as the director of pro personnel for the Cleveland Browns and three as the assistant director of pro scouting for the New England Patriots, where he was a part of two Super Bowl championship teams (2003 and 2004).

Send your questions now and join Keith on Thursday at 1 p.m. ET for all the answers.

Buzzmaster

(1:00 PM)

Kidder is here!

Keith Kidd

(1:03 PM)

What's up SportsNation! It's great to be here. We've got a lot to talk about. There are some really good matchups this weekend. Is it time for teams to hit the panic button? Let's get rolling with your questions.

Michael (san marcos )

What is the colts downfall this year?

Keith Kidd

(1:04 PM)

Obviously, injuries have been the biggest downfall, but if you have to pick a certain phase of the game, it's the run defense. I'm not ready to push the panic button in Indy, because they'll get Bob Sanders back. If history teaches us anything go back and look at the Super Bowl run the Colts had.

Justin (Buffalo)

Do the Bills have what it takes to make a deep playoff run this year?

Keith Kidd

(1:06 PM)

Yes they do. They are very well coached. I love the job Dick Jauron has done. They have the best special teams in the league. Trent Edwards has shown growth. I love Lynch and I think this defense will continue to get better. If they can stay in it, Buffalo is not a very nice place to visit in December.

Jason (MI)

Best 1 win team right now??

Keith Kidd

(1:07 PM)

San Diego. Phillip Rivers has been phenomenal in the first three weeks. This offense is going to get healthy with LT and Gates. Chris Chambers gives them a vertical attack and the defense finally, finally showed up.

Ryan (Madison, WI

What do you expect from Rashard Mendenhall on Monday?

Keith Kidd

(1:08 PM)

He's my X-factor on offense, but I think he's going to have a very difficult night against the Ravens defense. If he can get 3-4 yard carries on first down, that puts them into attack mode in key situations. The key for them on Monday night is to hold on to the football.

Jason (MI)

Most overated 3-0 team??

Keith Kidd

(1:09 PM)

The Denver Broncos. I love their offense, but this offense is going to have to outscore people all year long.

Vinnie (NYC)

Will Plaxico get the message?

Keith Kidd

(1:11 PM)

He better get the message. For a guy to just disappear off the map and not make a phone call to your employer. What's up with that? They've got a Seattle team coming in after the bye, that at least on paper was pretty good defensively coming into the season. Plax has to learn that the team comes first.

Joe (Detroit)

Who should Detroit look at for their next GM? Would you take an up and comer from a great organization or a guy like Floyd Reese who has done it before.

Keith Kidd

(1:12 PM)

Hey Joe, based on what Matt Millen left the Detroit Lions, this has to be one of the most thorough evaluations from top to bottom. If I were them, I would talk to as many football people as I could in order to get it right. This is not just a quick fixer. This team is terrible right now.

Keith Kidd

(1:12 PM)

It's a shame that we won't have any more Matt Millen bashing on the show.

Mikey(Lackawanna,NY)

What are your thoughts on the play of the Ravens Leron McClain so far? Isn't he supposed to be a FB?

Keith Kidd

(1:13 PM)

Mikey, name me another fullback in the league that is leading his team in rushing? That's the kind of versatility that he brings to the offense. This team is about ball control and their three-headed RB committee and take pressure off Joe Flacco. But on Monday night, Flacco is going to have to find ways to make plays in the passing game. Oh boy, for your first start on road as a rookie on that field?? Hmmmmmmm. Good luck.

Chris (Cleveland)

Quick Question. Please tell me Romeo Crennel will be fired ASAP and Bill Cowher will be the next head coach of the Cleveland Browns! If not, who do you see as a potential replacement to Romeo! He can't coach his way out of a paper bag!

Keith Kidd

(1:15 PM)

Bill Cowher is not coming to Cleveland if Phil Savage is still the GM. The amazing thing to me is all the criticism that Romeo Crennel is getting and none is going to Phil Savage. Wasn't he the one that brought in the players and hired all of the new coaches on Romeo's staff before last season?

Joe (Plainsboro, NJ)

Will Carson Palmer need a change in scenery to regain form as a high performing QB?

Keith Kidd

(1:17 PM)

No. He doesn't need a change of scenery. This offense on Sunday was very very efficient. How many teams has a No. 1 WR that demands to be traded in the offseason and then changes his name? If I'm Carson Palmer, I want a change of scenery.

David (Athens, GA)

Any chance the Falcons can keep up this pace and make it to the playoffs? They are looking great at home.

Keith Kidd

(1:18 PM)

Unfortunately, I don't think so. However, they have found their QB of the future in Matt Ryan. There will be times this year when he goes through growing pains. Even though this team is climbing in an upward direction, can they still remain competitive this year, because they are still missing some key links.

Jack ( Detroit )

The Lions are the first team to win on a bye week....Congrats Lions !! Tom Heckert is from MI..thoughts on him as the next GM ??

Keith Kidd

(1:19 PM)

He just re-upped a new deal with the Eagles last season. I find it difficult for the Eagles to let him out of the contract. And, besides, WHY WOULD HE WANT TO WORK FOR THE LIONS?

jesse scottsdale, AZ

Keith, Why is it that every year everyone has a "surprise team" only to be let down. let's look at the Browns. last year they won 10 games and were everyone's pick this year. am I the only one on this planet that saw their schedule this year? The schedule Gods blessed them last year by playing 8 games between the NFC weak and the AFC least. that was 7 free wins in which they only won 6. so outside the gimmes they managed only 4 more wins. this year the schedule gods are punishing them for not taking advantage and they have to play the NFC beast and the AFC north in which they will be lucky to escape with 2 wins. and VERY lucky at that. I am a firm believer in the NFL schedule predicting a teams record (other than elite teams). so please let me know why when all sportswriters have the same access to the NFL schedule they picked them to make the playoffs...

Keith Kidd

(1:20 PM)

Just remember now this is what the media does in the offseason. The media blew the Browns up due to what they were able to do in the offseason and waht they accomplish last year when they went 10-6. I didn't. I thought they were still a couple of years away. No one expected them to play as bad as they are right now.

Brandon Phoenix, AZ

True or False: Chiefs General Manager and Head Coach Carl Peterson and Herm Edwards will be back next season? PLEASE SAY FALSE!

Keith Kidd

(1:22 PM)

False. Unless they can turn their season around. I really don't see that happening. Of all my years being a part of the NFL, I've never seen three teams just not be competitive - Lions, Rams, Chiefs. This team just got too young. When you're too young and you don't have a QB - recipe for disaster.

Vinnie (NYC)

Is the NFC East the best division you have seen? I can't think in recent memory of a division this competitive that had upper tier teams.

Keith Kidd

(1:23 PM)

The NFC East this season reminds me of when I entered the league in 1991. It was unbelievable then. Bill Parcells, Buddy Ryan, Joe Gibbs. It's gotten back to that tough mentality and physical division.

Mike(Arizona)

Keith, Whats your take on the Arizona Cardinals? Do you think if they can stay healthy this team can make the playoffs?

Keith Kidd

(1:24 PM)

Extremely talented and very good on defense. They're still learning how to win. There is no way they should have lost that game to Washington in Washington last week. But when you think this team is ready to take this step, they don't do it. But I do like Ken Whisenhunt, he has a good staff. The division they're in, they should run away with it. If they don't win it this season, then they have drastically underachieved.

paul ((jacksonville))

helloooo

King Kevin, Austin TX

IS Ryan Grant going to get it going this season?

Keith Kidd

(1:25 PM)

Good question. They need him to get it going. Mike McCartney would love to run the ball to setup their play action. Will he do it? I guess we'll find out. Right now, I haven't been too impressed with him.

Joe (NO)

Any thoughts on the Saints making the playoffs after a 1-2 start or will this just be another disappointing year?

Keith Kidd

(1:26 PM)

I still think they have a great shot at making the playoffs. They're scaring me because you can't replace guys like Colston and Shockey. They need to get McAllister back on the field to help them in the goal line situations. Look for Sean Payton to be very creative this weekend.

John (LA)

How many games does Mike Nolan have to win for his job to be safe for next year?

Keith Kidd

(1:27 PM)

Above .500. I think this team could be 9-7, 10-6. I love the addition of Mike Martz. Say what you want about some of the things he's done, but he puts the fear in opposing teams' defensive coordinators. He's very dynamic in what he does as a playcaller.

Dave

Maybe you could start a Matt Millen award. give it to the player, coach, or GM who makes the worst decision in the week? This way we can honor his legacy forever.

Keith Kidd

(1:28 PM)

You got it Dave! Remind me every week.

John (Dallas)

Any chance the the Cowboys get surprised this weekend by the Redskins? I hope not, but do you think the 'Skins have a shot?

Keith Kidd

(1:29 PM)

I don't see this happening this week, because the Cowboys are pretty amazing in September and at home. But I could see it happening the second time they meet. This is a critical game for Jason Campbell. I want to see what he does in this critical game against Dallas.

Tom (Massachusetts)

Keith, who do you honestly think will win the AFC East.

Keith Kidd

(1:29 PM)

I'm not giving up on the Patriots. They're the most talented team within the division. But you have to watch out for the Bills. But my pick is still New England.

Ben (Atlanta)

Thomas Dimitroff's rebuilding job is progressing nicely in Atlanta. Thought by many to be a weakness, the OL has turned into a strength. Paul Boudreux deserves a lot of credit for that. Specifically what areas still need to be addressed, and how close are we to playoff contention?

Keith Kidd

(1:30 PM)

Look for this team to be in the hunt next year and in the playoffs in Year 3. Dimitroff has tremendous people skills. He's a uniter and not a divider. That's what this organization needs.

Bill (Pomona California)

Hey Keith, what is the malfunction with the NY Jets? Is it Mangini, or the O &#x26; D coordinators? Or something else? There is just too much talent there that goes wasted sometimes it seems. Thanks!

Keith Kidd

(1:31 PM)

The malfunction is how they were outcoached in Week 2 against the Patriots. Even when they acquired the rights to Brett Favre, I didn't see this team being a playoff team. I don't see them being on the heels of the Bills and Patriots in this division. The game this week is critical as we get to the First quarter mark this season.

PT (Franklin, NC)

How bad will it hurt Jamarcus Russell's career for Kiffin to be fired in the middle of the season?

Keith Kidd

(1:32 PM)

I don't think it hurts his career at all, because they're not throwing the football enough in Oakland.

Brady (Bowling Green, OH)

What are the chances the Browns can fire Romeo and bring back Marty Schottenheimer? I just don't think Romeo has the decision making skills to be an NFL head coach.

Keith Kidd

(1:32 PM)

Was Romeo a bad decision maker last year when this team went 10-6?

tom (hackensack)

Following up on the chiefs...do you see any of the veterans being shipped off before the trade deadline like gonzo or LJ?

Keith Kidd

(1:33 PM)

Call me crazy, but I would quietly be shopping LJ and Gonzalez before the trading deadline to see if I can make a deal. The only problem with that is that there will be no fans in the stands.

SprungOnSports (Long Island)

What do you think the key is to the Eagles-Bears game and who do you think comes out on top?

Keith Kidd

(1:34 PM)

This is going to be a very, very physical game. The Eagles come into this game limping after the physical game with the Steelers. I like the Eagles 20-13. Check out my game preview on the site.

Matt (New York)

Do you think the Giants win of the Bengals showed they can win close games which will help them get into the playoffs?

Keith Kidd

(1:35 PM)

Based on what you saw last year and how this team played in the postseason, set it up for this year. They have a tremendous amount of confidence in Eli Manning. He's a great player. When you go on the road and win like the Giants did last year, it sets you up for success. Hopefully, this team doesn't get snakebit by injuries.

Bill(Missouri)

Do you think Trent Green will be able to move the Rams offense down the field? Or is this just a wakeup call for MArc Bulger to play better when he gets back on the field?

Keith Kidd

(1:36 PM)

I didn't agree with this move. I think Trent Green is one hit away from getting Marc Bulger back on the field. This is a panic move. They have a bye next week, so this could be Linehan's last game if they lose.

Greg (Champaign, IL)

Is it time for Chicago to accept the fact that they cant score with kyle orton under center and consider another option at quarterback?

Keith Kidd

(1:38 PM)

I think it's time for Chicago to accept the fact that they don't have a future QB. But it hasn't been Orton's fault. He's done a good job of managing this offense. They don't have a No. 1 WR. The OL isn't very good.

PT (Franklin, NC)

So you think Oakland should start airing it out even with their abysmal receiving unit?

Keith Kidd

(1:39 PM)

That's not what I said. There's going to come a point when Russell is going to have to throw the ball to win games. Last week, they couldn't make plays on third down. 2 for 12 on third downs is not going to win you games. Just make a couple of first downs and it's over!

jojo (columbus)

Why does Peyton Manning suck all of a sudden? He's killing me

Keith Kidd

(1:39 PM)

I ain't even going to go there.

Keith Kidd

(1:40 PM)

You've got to be kidding me.

Keith Kidd

(1:40 PM)

Keep it up and you're going to get the Matt Millen Chatter Award for this week!

Mike (Toledo)

KK whats going on? Love your chats but here is something that always get lost with the Browns, especially this year. They were healthy last year. When you lose your 2 and 3 WR, the 2nd best return guy at 80% and lose your SS and your second best LB (Peek) then you aren't going to be as good as once thought. Sorry KK, but Steptoe is no Jurevicious or even a Stallworth. So everyone, ease off the Browns.

Keith Kidd

(1:41 PM)

I totally agree that this team suffered some major, major injuries in training camp. I'm just saying that everyone wants to blame Romeo. But Phil Savage is the guy that went out and got the players. Where is the depth? Everyone in the NFL has injuries. The Pats lose Brady and Matt Cassel comes out and starts his first game since high school and the Patriots win.

joe (york)

how about that ravens D!!! those old guys still have something left in the tank huh? or is it just a matter of easy competition?

Keith Kidd

(1:42 PM)

I don't know if this is the first time you've been in one of my chats, but if it is come on back. I've always been a fan of the Ravens D. How Rex Ryan isn't a head coach in the NFL is a joke.

Benjamin Plattsburgh

Is Matt Schaub beginning to show symptoms of David Carr syndrome? In other words too much pressure and abuse over a long period of time makes the QB jittery, skittish and more or less useless.

Keith Kidd

(1:44 PM)

There are a couple of issues on this. No. 1, the Texans have to get a consistent running game going. This is a process. It takes some time. I'm not giving up on him just yet. But if this team goes to Jacksonville and goes to 0-3, you're going to hear some calls for the backup.

Kidder Nation

AND THE WINNER OF THE MATT MILLEN CHATTER AWARD OF THE WEEK GOES TOO! JOJO FROM COLUMBUS OHIO! CONGRADULATIONS JOJO

Craig (PA)

After mentioning Rex Ryan as a possible head coach, do you think Jim Johnson has what it takes to be a head coach in the NFL, or is more of just a defensive specialist?

Keith Kidd

(1:45 PM)

Jim Johnson is an incredible defensive coach. I think his time has passed and I don't think he wants to be a head coach.

crash (wv)

Will da bears sniff at a playoff spot? Thanks keith.

Keith Kidd

(1:46 PM)

No. It's a tough one, but no.

Benjamin Plattsburgh

Hey kidder are you seriously telling me that Peyton is living up to his own standards? He cant even make a stretch play because of his knee, hes moving his feet to much in the pocket and missing throws he used to make in his sleep. He doesn't "suck" compared to other qbs, but compared to his own standards so far this year he does suck.

Keith Kidd

(1:47 PM)

No he's not living up to his expectations, but he missed all of training camp. He's playing with an all new offensive line, missing Jeff Saturday. It's obvious that even if you're Peyton Manning, you need training camp. You need the time to establish a rhythm.

Jack ( Detroit )

Keith Kidd as GM of the Lions ??

Keith Kidd

(1:47 PM)

Very nice.

Michael: (Loma Linda, CA)

What are your expectations regarding the Seattle passing game for the rest of the season?

Keith Kidd

(1:48 PM)

I'm not ready to push the panic button. This team is going to get Branch and Bobby Engram back. I've always thought that Matt Hasselbeck was a very good QB and is in the right system. For me, the concern was the defense early in the season. But it got some of its swagger back last week against an awful Rams team.

alex (madison, wi)

Do you think the Packers are a legitimate Super Bowl contender?

Keith Kidd

(1:49 PM)

I still do. However, it's going to be awfully tough with the hits they've taken on defense, especially with the Al Harris situation. It's going to be a very critical game for them in Tampa. It will be the first time Rodgers lines up and starts a game in Raymond James Stadium. Losing to the Cowboys puts them behind the 8-ball later in the year.

Chuck, Philly

Speaking of Jim Johnson, do you think there will be a play this week where he doesn't blitz Kyle Orton?

Keith Kidd

(1:50 PM)

Very few. But what I'm looking at is all the movement that he'll have his defenders do in the box while disguising things on the back end. This defense is built to do two things - pressure and turnovers.

Tim E. (St. Paul, MN)

What the Vikes plan next year, put T-Jack back in, trade, or draft a rookie to insert. Either way what does starting Gus we Trust do? Where is Tommy Kramer?

Keith Kidd

(1:52 PM)

The biggest issue will be the head coaching situation and how this team finishes. Whoever the coach next year, they'll have to address the QB situation. You can bet they're already studying the college QBs and the upcoming free agent market.

Jessica (Mount Joy, PA)

Do you think anyone can stop Brandon Marshall? How far do you think the Broncos will go?

Keith Kidd

(1:52 PM)

No I don't. At some point, he won't have those multiple catch games. But this Broncos team will go as far as the offense will take them.

Majeed

Al Harris stinks! So does Manning this year. Get a clue KK!

Sean (San Fran)

Hey Keith, Niners next four: at NO, NE, Phil, at NYG... what's your best case scenario for a fan who doesn't want the season to be over after week 7.

Keith Kidd

(1:54 PM)

Best case would be 2-2. Remember now, the 49ers offense will score some points. The key will be can they keep the other team out of the end zone consistently. This is nice for Mike Nolan because he didn't have this last year with his offense.

Frank (Trenton)

What is the reason for such bad QB's these days? It seems like the NFL only has about 6-10 decent QB's.

Keith Kidd

(1:55 PM)

Hey Frank, you should have seen when we sat down a year ago and tried to rank the QBs from 1-64. Once you got to 10, you could move them around anyway you wanted to. That's why the key to success in the NFL is getting your franchise QB, which is extremely hard to do.

Kev (NYC)

Can we please calm down on the Broncos? The 30th ranked D won't make for a Super Bowl contender

Greg (Champaign, IL)

Majeed is now in contention for the Matt Millen Chatter Award!

Mike(Buffalo)

How do you think the Bills rookie WR James Hardy will do this weekend vs the Rams?

Keith Kidd

(1:56 PM)

I think he'll do very well. In the last three games, I think the Rams have lost by an average of 27 points.

Benjamin Plattsburgh

Is the way Vernon Davis is being used by Martz the biggest waste of an individual talent in the NFL? Just because he's such a strong enthusiastic blocker does not justify ignoring his 4.3 speed in the passing game.

Keith Kidd

(1:57 PM)

Whenever you're implementing a new system, even though Mike Martz is as great as he is, goes through a learning process of his personnel. He'll learn how to get Davis more involved. Hang in there. You must have him on your fantasy team.

Kidder Nation

Majeed is just trying to steal JOJO's limelight!

Ben (LA, CA)

Any word yet on Westbrook's playing status? Are we going to get any earlier word than game time decision?

Keith Kidd

(1:58 PM)

I would expect it to be a gametime decision. The Eagles would be foolish to let anything out more than 90 minutes before kickoff when they have to turn in the inactive list.

alex (madison, wi)

How would you grade Aaron Rodgers thus far?

Keith Kidd

(1:59 PM)

Good. He's been very effective in the first three games. This week, he needs to finish better in the red zone. I think he's been awesome.

pete rockville, MD

How has Jim Haslett esacped the criticism in SL, his unit is awful, doesn't he share the blame with Linehan? Thanks!

Keith Kidd

(2:01 PM)

Because usually all the blame goes to the head coach. That's the way it goes in the NFL. If the head coach was Bill Belichick, then he would be getting all the criticism. But he's not an established head coach.

Ed (NYC)

Out of the 3 teams you have mentioned, who is the worst team in the league?

Keith Kidd

(2:01 PM)

Rams.

Vinnie (NYC)

Assuming the Lions, Rams, and Chiefs get the #1,2 and 3 picks in the draft, which needs should they address first?

Keith Kidd

(2:02 PM)

Are you kidding? The draft questions are for the offseason or at least wait until December!

Sharell (Raleigh NC)

Deion Sanders stated that Michael Vick would be a good fit for the Vikings. What do you think? He is scheduled to be released next year, will Goodell let him play is another issue.

Keith Kidd

(2:03 PM)

Deion Sanders makes a good point, but you'd have to cater your offense to Vick. And I don't think he'd be a good fit there because of some of the off field problems they've had up there. Vick won't be a good fit for a lot of teams because you have to tailor the offense to him, in addition to the off field questions.

Greg (Champaign, IL)

Thank for your time KK!

Keith Kidd

(2:04 PM)

This was a great chat today. Everybody brought it. Let's come back next Thursday and bring it again. And be sure to check out my Monday Night preview on PodCenter. And we'll have the Matt Millen Award next week!